13 Best Online RN to BSN Programs in California
BSN-educated nurses in California earn about $18,000 more per year than their ADN colleagues. This boost in salary makes a compelling case to upgrade your nursing credentials.
The aging population has created high demand for nurses with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or higher throughout California’s healthcare facilities. California stands at the forefront of nursing compensation, where registered nurses earn an average salary of $137,690. The state’s licensed RN workforce exceeds half a million – the highest number in the country.
California’s nursing programs have built a strong reputation for excellence. California State University-Long Beach showcases this with its impressive 97.5% NCLEX pass rates. You’ll find programs that match your needs perfectly. Concordia University at Irvine lets you complete coursework at your own pace, while San Diego State offers an accelerated 12-15 month path to graduation. These top online RN to BSN programs in California give you the flexibility to advance your career.
1. National University – San Diego
National University, a veteran-founded nonprofit institution, offers one of California’s most flexible online RN to BSN programs. This San Diego-based university has built a strong reputation since 1971, with over 245,000 alumni worldwide.
Program highlights
The RN to BSN program prepares you for advanced nursing roles through a skill-focused curriculum. You’ll learn to provide patient-centered care in healthcare settings of all types and develop your abilities to manage, prioritize, and delegate patient care. The program helps you build therapeutic relationships with patients, families, and groups, and strengthens your communication skills with patients and healthcare teams.
Your completed degree qualifies you for a California Public Health Nurse Certificate, which opens up many more career opportunities. The program holds full accreditation from both the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
Pricing
Program costs vary based on your transfer credits and personal circumstances, but National University provides several financial support options. Eligible students can receive up to $4,800 in financial assistance through the Transfer to Success Scholarship. The university also offers various scholarships and grants based on your financial need and eligibility.
You’ll need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each fiscal year to establish your aid eligibility. The university also partners with employers to offer tuition discounts – an Enrollment Advisor can help determine if you qualify.
Online learning format
Working nurses benefit from the program’s 100% online format. Each course runs in focused 4-week or 8-week blocks, so you can concentrate on one subject while maintaining full-time status. This structure works perfectly when you need to balance your job with your studies.
The program’s monthly enrollment option lets you start your studies any month of the year instead of waiting for traditional semester starts. You could complete your degree in as little as 11 months, depending on your pace and transferred credits.
2. California State University-Stanislaus – Turlock
California State University-Stanislaus (Stan State) sits in California’s Central Valley and offers an available online RN to BSN program with an impressive 97% acceptance rate. The program combines budget-friendly options, flexibility, and a detailed curriculum that caters to working nurses.
Features
Stan State’s online RN-BSN program gives registered nurses great opportunities to advance their education and career. Students move through the curriculum together in a cohort model and learn among fellow nurses while building professional connections. After graduating, nurses can apply for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate that lets them work in community health settings.
Students take most courses online through Blackboard Learning Management System at their own pace. The program requires one 90-hour practicum course in population health nursing at a pre-approved public health facility. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accredits the program, which ensures high educational standards.
Tuition and fees
Students pay $17,370 for the entire program, not counting textbooks, lab supplies, and other costs. Payment schedules vary based on your cohort and track. To name just one example, Cohort 17 (12-month track) pays:
- Fall 2025: $6,810 (has $200 enrollment deposit)
- Spring 2026: $7,500
- Summer 2026: $3,060
Plus, qualified students can get financial aid. Federal programs like Pell Grants, Federal TEACH Grants, Stafford Loans, and Nursing Loans are available. Start your financial aid process early by submitting the FAFSA form with institution code 001157.
Online learning format
Stan State’s program puts working professionals first. You can start the online nursing program in fall or spring semesters based on your schedule. Full-time students can finish in 12 months, while others might prefer the 3 or 5 semester options.
Students can balance their nursing studies with work, family, and other commitments thanks to the self-paced online format. A program graduate shared, “You can easily be a college student and a working RN at the same time”. This setup helps students apply real-life solutions right away in their current nursing roles.
3. California Baptist University – Riverside
California Baptist University (CBU) in Riverside combines Christ-centered principles with nursing education through its fully online RN to BSN program. This 1950-established institution stands as the first four-year regionally and nationally accredited university in Riverside County. Students experience a distinctive combination of faith-based education and professional nursing development.
Curriculum
The program requires 31-unit upper division courses that focus on advanced nursing skills development. Students master pathophysiology, health assessment, community health nursing, ethics, and Christian leadership principles. A biblical worldview guides the theoretical practice while strengthening critical thinking abilities.
Core courses include:
- Theoretical Foundations and Interprofessional Communication
- Communication and Informatics in Nursing Practice
- Pathophysiology
- Health Assessment and Promotion
- Research and Writing for Healthcare Professionals
Community health practicums and leadership courses mark the program’s completion. These prepare you for expanded healthcare roles. Students become eligible to apply for a Public Health Certificate after graduation, which creates more career opportunities.
Pricing
Program costs at $340 per unit range from $10,540 to $15,640 based on transferable credits. Additional charges include a nursing program fee of $2,075 per semester. Admission requirements include an active RN license, 2.7 GPA or higher, official sealed transcripts, and an admission essay as a transfer undergraduate student.
Multiple start dates throughout the year make the program accessible. Admission cycles run in fall (September), spring (January), and summer. Working nurses find this flexibility helpful for career advancement.
Faith-based approach at California Baptist
CBU stands out among California’s online RN to BSN programs by weaving Christian values into its nursing curriculum. The “Humanbecoming Paradigm” serves as the core nursing theory, emphasizing an all-encompassing approach to patient care within a Christian worldview.
Mutually beneficial alliances with Corona Regional Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Loma Linda Veterans Administration, and Parkview Community Hospital give students varied healthcare experiences. Local agencies host clinical practicum requirements, and the program helps working nurses complete rotations near their location.
Graduates leave prepared for advanced clinical practice, leadership positions, or graduate studies while focusing on compassionate, evidence-based care.
4. California State University-Dominguez Hills – Carson
CSU Dominguez Hills provides a clear path for working nurses who want to advance their education through its online RN to BSN program. Students can start their coursework at this Carson-based institution before they get their RN license, as long as they’ve completed their ADN program.
Online structure
The program delivers courses online, which lets you study at your convenience. You can complete almost all courses remotely. BSN 381 (Health Assessment Skills) is the only exception that needs attendance for one weekend via Zoom. Working professionals find this minimal requirement very convenient.
The curriculum needs 50 nursing units, and you automatically get 6 units after passing the NCLEX. The Pre-BSN program lets first-time nursing students take up to 19 units of BSN coursework during summers before getting their license. You can also complete BSN 306 and 346 through challenge exams to speed up your graduation.
Affordability
The program comes with reasonable tuition rates:
- Full-time students: $3,468 per semester
- Part-time students: $2,262 per semester
You’ll spend about $13,874 to complete the program in four semesters, but an accelerated three-semester plan can help you finish faster. Extra costs are minimal – just $100-200 for books each semester and a $55 application fee.
Financial aid options include:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Student Loans
- VA Benefits
- Cal Grants
- California Middle Class Scholarships
- California State University Grants
Clinical requirements
BSN 423 (Community-Based Nursing) requires 90 clinical hours with a preceptor. You should:
- Look for a preceptor at least one semester before placement
- Submit your clinical application during specific windows (Fall: March 1-May 1; Spring: August 1-October 1; Summer: February 1-April 1)
The program qualifies you for the Public Health Nurse (PHN) certificate and opens up career opportunities in community health. Head start programs, college health centers, community clinics, and public health departments are all suitable clinical sites.
5. University of La Verne
The University of La Verne offers a progressive online RN to BSN program that helps working nurses advance their careers. This program, part of the university’s College of Health and Community Well-Being, puts special emphasis on health equity and social factors affecting health.
Overview
La Verne’s RN to BSN program delivers its curriculum completely online, but students need to complete their clinical work in their local communities. Students must complete 128 semester hours in total, with 44 semester units in residency and at least 44 units at the upper-division level. The core nursing courses take up 28 semester hours and include:
- Nursing Informatics
- Health Assessment
- Professional Nursing
- Nursing Research
- Leadership and Management
- Public Health Nursing
- Nursing Capstone
Nurses who hold an active California RN license without restrictions can get up to 60 credit hours toward their degree. Nurses with two years of experience might also qualify for 8 extra credit hours as electives.
Tuition and duration
The program costs $645 per semester hour. Students can move through the program quickly with 8-week sessions that run throughout the year. This means you could finish your degree in just 9 months, depending on your transfer credits.
The university takes payment deadlines seriously. Students need to make financial arrangements a week before each session starts. Missing these deadlines could result in late fees up to $300.
Public health practicum
The program’s highlight is its 90-hour public health nursing practicum (NURS 465P), which sets you up to get California Public Health Nurse certification after you graduate. During your practicum, you’ll work in different healthcare settings and learn vital skills in health promotion, disease prevention, case management, and community assessment.
When you complete both the practicum and the public health nursing course (NURS 465), you’ll meet California Board of Registered Nursing’s requirements for PHN certification. This certification opens up many new career paths in community-based settings once you finish the program.
6. California State University-Chico
CSU Chico has been a premier nursing institution since 1954, with a special focus on serving rural nursing populations throughout Northern California. The RN to BSN program gives registered nurses a specialized pathway to advance their education while they retain control of their professional responsibilities.
Hybrid learning model
The program employs a hybrid learning approach that blends online flexibility with strategic in-person elements. Students can complete seven nursing theory courses entirely online in an asynchronous format, which fits around their work schedules. Two upper-division general education courses are also available online with asynchronous access. The program includes one on-site clinical placement that students typically complete in or near their county of residence during the final semester.
Working professionals can complete this 15-month program from June to August of the following year. Nurses can continue their full-time work throughout their studies without any career disruption.
Tuition and rural access
When it comes to costs, the program has different pricing tiers based on prior education:
- Students with a bachelor’s degree: $11,400 plus books
- Students without a bachelor’s degree: $14,250 plus books
- Current per-unit cost: $475 (subject to change)
CSU Chico specifically created its RN to BSN program to serve the most remote areas of Northern California’s rural region. Registered nurses can reach their advanced educational goals despite geographic challenges that would make campus commuting impractical. The program stays committed to reaching distant communities and ensuring educational equity across California’s varied geography.
Technology and innovation
The program uses state-of-the-art online delivery methods that maximize flexibility without compromising educational quality. Graduates become eligible for California’s Public Health Certification, which substantially expands their career opportunities.
Students improve their ability to implement evidence-based nursing practices and clinical skills through hands-on experiences, which increases their professional marketability. CSU Chico BSN students achieve impressive outcomes with a 90% NCLEX-RN pass rate and a remarkable 98% graduation rate.
The RN to BSN program requires 30 units total. Students receive 20 units credit for passing the NCLEX-RN exam. They typically get this credit during their final semester, which speeds up their program completion.
7. California State University – Sacramento
Sacramento State’s School of Nursing offers an RN to BSN program that combines online flexibility with hands-on training. The program stands out as one of the most available options in Northern California. Working nurses can advance their careers without putting their jobs on hold.
Hybrid format
The Sacramento State RN to BSN program uses a Hyflex hybrid format. Students complete 75% of coursework online and 25% face-to-face. We delivered nursing courses through this blended approach. Students know which sessions will run asynchronously, synchronously online, or on campus before they enroll. Students who study full-time can finish the program in 12-15 months.
The program prepares graduates to take leadership roles in healthcare. Students move through courses with their peers in full-time or part-time tracks. Full-time students take 15 course units each semester. Part-time students spread their studies over 3 or more semesters.
Tuition and PHN certificate
Students can earn a Public Health Nurse certification – a valuable addition to their degree. This certification needs completion of NURS 174 (Community Health Nursing: Concepts and Practice) and NURS 174C (Community Health Nursing: Clinical Elective). RN to BSN graduates after Fall 2017 must complete both courses, which total 6 units.
The California Board of Registered Nursing has approved Sacramento State’s curriculum for public health nursing certification. The nursing program holds accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
On-campus requirements
The program runs mostly online, but students need to complete a minimum of 30 units in residence at the Sacramento State campus. The core program includes 44 nursing units:
- NURS 170: Foundations for Evidence-Based Nursing Practice
- NURS 171A/B: Transitional Concepts courses
- NURS 173A/B: Theoretical Foundations for Leadership and Management
- NURS 174: Community Health Nursing
- NURS 178: Culminating Project
- NURS 179: Professional Communication
Students need 120 total units to earn their BSN, including transferred credits from ADN programs. Every nursing course requires a grade of ‘C’ or better.
8. California State University – San Marcos
Cal State San Marcos offers a flexible, 100% online RN to BSN program designed for working nurses. CSUSM runs one of the most competitive online nursing programs in California. The program limits each cohort to just 44 students per start date to ensure you get personal attention throughout your learning experience.
Online RN to BSN structure
The program runs completely online with a well-laid-out format that adapts to your schedule:
- Eight-week classes during fall and spring semesters
- Ten-week classes during summer sessions
- Six start dates throughout the year
The curriculum balances community-based and acute care nursing to prepare you for healthcare environments of all types. You’ll learn to provide skillful, culturally sensitive nursing care with clinical experiences in various settings. After graduating, you’ll be ready for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, clinics, and community agencies.
Concurrent course options
CSUSM’s program stands out because you can complete pre-nursing core credits alongside nursing courses. This lets you progress toward your degree before finishing all prerequisites. However, some requirements need priority:
- You must complete Written Communication and Mathematical Statistics in your first year
- Complete all other pre-nursing core courses as soon as possible
Students who haven’t finished these core courses start in the Pre-Nursing program. They move to the RN to BSN program after meeting prerequisites. The Pre-Nursing Core requires a minimum 2.75 GPA.
Program duration and flexibility
The accelerated format lets you complete the program in as few as 14 months. This works well for nurses who need to balance work and personal life. The program also has breaks between semesters and during holidays, so you can study without sacrificing other priorities.
Tuition costs $340 per credit hour. The program has full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASCUC) and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
9. San Jose State University – San Jose
San Jose State University’s RN to BSN program sits right in Silicon Valley’s core. The program uses a hybrid learning format that works well for nurses who already have jobs. Students benefit from the university’s prime location and detailed curriculum that prepares them for bigger roles in California’s ever-changing healthcare world.
Program details
The RN to BSN program at San Jose State spans 18 months. Students attend most classes on campus with some online learning mixed in. The program builds research, leadership, and critical thinking skills through theory courses and hands-on community work. Students need 120 total semester units to graduate. The university gives credit for past coursework and adds 20 units when students pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
Students who finish the community health course and clinical work can apply for a California Public Health Nursing Certificate. The program needs a minimum TEAS exam score of 84%, and students get two chances to achieve this score. Eight prerequisite courses must be completed with a combined GPA of at least 3.3.
Transfer credit policy
The university makes transfer credit straightforward. Students must earn a C grade or better in their courses to transfer credits. SJSU requires students to complete at least 30 credits at the university to earn their bachelor’s degree.
Students should note that anatomy, physiology, and microbiology courses must be taken within five years of applying. The university reviews each course carefully and provides a detailed evaluation after enrollment.
Career outcomes
San Jose State University shows strong results with a 69% graduation rate. Students work in community health settings and gain skills useful in healthcare environments of all types. Health Professions graduates earn a median salary of $59,776, which shows the program’s real value.
The university’s Career Center gives students great ways to get support through career counseling, job interviews, and resume help. These resources help graduates move into advanced nursing positions or continue their education at the graduate level.
Students can complete the program in just 15 months, making it one of California’s quickest paths to earning a BSN qualification.
10. Point Loma Nazarene University – San Diego
Point Loma Nazarene University combines faith-based nursing education with online and hybrid RN to BSN formats that fit working professionals’ needs in California.
Program structure
PLNU gives students two different ways to learn. Students can choose a fully online option to complete their coursework remotely and connect with professors and peers through virtual platforms. The hybrid format brings students together for one evening class each week, with the rest of the coursework online. Both options need clinical hours that students can complete in their local communities. The curriculum builds on existing nursing knowledge and combines evidence-based teaching with hands-on experience.
PLNU offers multiple program pathways:
- Early Acceptance: Students can apply during their first year of Community College Nursing programs
- Concurrent Enrollment: Students can start as early as their second semester of ADN classes and finish their BSN within 1-2 semesters after ADN graduation
- Advanced Standing Program: Students who have a bachelor’s degree can skip six units of coursework
Christian learning environment
PLNU combines Christian values with its curriculum to create a supportive environment that focuses on comprehensive patient care. The School of Nursing values spiritual and emotional aspects of healthcare among clinical excellence. Courses like “Caring Faithfully in the Community” and “Leading Faithfully in Diverse Health Systems” show this faith-based approach.
Class schedule and flexibility
The program schedule works well for working nurses. Students meet once a week, either online or in person. Nurses can balance their education with family, work, and personal commitments through flexible coursework. PLNU works with local community colleges to make transitions smooth. Qualified students with 3.0+ GPAs can enroll concurrently. Students typically finish in 15 months, which is much faster than traditional programs.
Students need to maintain a minimum grade of ‘C’ in all courses and complete 36 units in residence (30 for Advanced Standing students).
11. West Coast University – Irvine
West Coast University’s Irvine campus features a well-optimized RN to BSN program. Nurses can speed up their educational experience without compromising quality. Students can complete the program entirely online, which fits well with busy schedules. This makes it a popular choice among California’s accredited online RN to BSN programs.
Speed
WCU’s online nursing program lets students graduate in just 8 months through the Accelerated Plus pace. Students who want to continue working while studying will find this option particularly helpful. The program comes with three flexible pacing choices:
- Accelerated Plus: 8 months (2 trimesters)
- Accelerated: 12 months (3 trimesters)
- Working Professional: 20 months (5 trimesters)
Students can start their program at different times throughout the year. The online coursework remains available 24/7, which helps working nurses complete their studies around their work schedules.
Credit transfer policy
WCU’s generous transfer policy accepts up to 90 credits, which cuts down completion time significantly. Nurses with an active RN license automatically receive 42 credits. The transfer policy also includes:
- Up to 42 general education and elective credits
- Up to 6 core nursing course credits
Students need a minimum grade of C (73%) in all undergraduate courses they want to transfer. They must complete at least 30 credits at West Coast University. The university welcomes up to 60 credits from sources like CLEP/AP/IB and up to 30 credits from military service or work experience.
Leadership certification opportunities
Students learn to become skilled at healthcare leadership through specialized education tracks. The program builds expertise in healthcare systems management, strategic planning, and financial operations. Students also gain practical leadership skills through precepted clinical hours at local healthcare facilities.
These leadership-focused paths open up career opportunities in hospitals, ambulatory services, nursing care facilities, and government positions. The university’s Career Services team offers detailed support during job searches, including help with resumes and interview preparation.
12. California State University-Northridge
California State University-Northridge offers an online RN to BSN program that shapes nursing leaders in all practice areas. The program lets registered nurses improve their skills while building on their existing expertise.
Program overview
The RN to BSN curriculum at CSU Northridge runs over three semesters. Classes are available in Fall and Spring semesters, with extra options during Summer terms. Students can access courses online at their own pace, which works well for professionals. The program’s mission prepares nurses to work independently and with other professionals in a variety of healthcare settings.
The program structure focuses on professional nursing practice. Students learn to design nursing systems that serve individuals, families, groups, communities, and populations. The program aligns well with community college programs, creating a clear path for licensed RNs who hold associate degrees.
Elective options
CSU Northridge’s elective credit policy stands out as a match for other programs. Students earn up to 15 elective units by passing the NCLEX exam. On top of that, the university accepts up to 70 transferable units, including 32 units of nursing courses from previous education.
Students who need more credits can expand their liberal education through upper division General Education and elective courses. The option to petition for credit by examination in selected courses adds more flexibility.
Career advancement
CSU Northridge’s RN to BSN graduates have built successful careers as clinical instructors, staff educators, public health nurses, and nursing managers. Many graduates continue their education to earn graduate degrees. After completing the program, you can apply for California Public Health Nurse certification, which opens up more career opportunities.
The program develops five essential competencies: patient-centered care for diverse populations, teamwork with interprofessional groups, evidence-based clinical decisions, effective technology use, and leadership skills in healthcare settings. These skills prepare you to handle current and future healthcare needs in society.
13. Loma Linda University – Loma Linda
Loma Linda University’s online RN to BSN program blends academic excellence with spiritual values. Working nurses can advance their careers and deepen their understanding of whole person care at this California-based institution.
Program features
The program structure fits busy professionals perfectly with full-time and part-time enrollment options. Students typically complete the program in 1-3 years. Students develop skills they can apply to acute and community healthcare settings. The program readies graduates for leadership roles such as charge nurses, educators, managers, and public health professionals.
Students gain more than core nursing competencies through personal and professional development. They break down new areas of professional interest while enhancing their existing skills. The program delivers all coursework online, which eliminates campus visits without compromising educational quality.
Faith-based curriculum
Loma Linda’s educational philosophy weaves Christian principles throughout its nursing program. The Christ-centered faculty brings guidance and knowledge to each student that promotes a spiritual dimension in healthcare education. This creates a unique learning environment where ethical considerations and compassionate care take center stage.
The curriculum helps students gain a “deepened understanding of whole person care”. Patients receive treatment as complete individuals with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. This comprehensive approach sets Loma Linda apart from other online RN to BSN programs in California.
Scholarship opportunities
Loma Linda’s financial support options help make education available to more students. Students become eligible for scholarships after their first full quarter, with opportunities continuing every quarter afterward. Scholarship amounts range from $500 to $3,000.
The university recognizes excellence through several prestigious awards. The RNBS Award goes to senior registered nurse students who show exceptional competence in scholarship and clinical practice. Students can also earn the Dean’s Award for academic excellence and the President’s Award that acknowledges superior scholastic achievement within a Christian commitment framework.
Students can also access external funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This organization provides both loan repayment assistance and nursing scholarship programs.
Choose Your Online RN to BSN in California
Your choice of top online RN to BSN programs in California comes down to your career goals, budget, and how you like to learn. Each program on this list brings something different to the table, from faster completion times to focused areas of study.
You need to look at several key factors when making your choice. Many programs like CSU Stanislaus have high acceptance rates, while others are more selective. Program flexibility varies too – National University lets you enroll each month, but others stick to regular semester schedules.
Money is another key factor. Program costs vary quite a bit:
- Public universities (CSU system): Generally $11,000-$17,000 total
- Private institutions: Often $15,000-$62,000 depending on program length and structure
The curriculum features matter beyond the cost. Some programs include leadership certificates, public health nursing eligibility, or faith-based healthcare approaches. You’ll find options from fully online courses to hybrid programs that need some campus visits.
Smart students should check these points:
- Accreditation status (CCNE or ACEN preferred)
- Clinical requirements and placement assistance
- Credit transfer policies
- Technology requirements
- Available student support services
BSN-prepared nurses are in high demand across California. Healthcare employers want candidates with bachelor’s degrees, especially for management roles. Your BSN investment will pay off whatever program you pick.
Start by reaching out to admissions teams at schools you like. Ask them about prerequisites, financial aid, and upcoming deadlines. You can also join virtual info sessions that many universities offer to learn about their online RN to BSN programs in California firsthand.